The Department for Transport (DfT) has recently announced the "winners" of its £8 million funding offered to bidders to ensure better roadside facilities, more secure parking and improved rest areas. A total of 39 roadside facility operators across England will each receive a share of the £8 million fund. The funding will be matched by £11 million from private industry with the sole aim of "significantly upgrading" truck stops across the country.
The "winners" of the funding includes:
- Channel Ports Ltd - Stop 24 Folkestone Services
- Exelby Services - A19 Southbound Services
- JDR Trans Ltd - Brewers Farm/JDR Trans Ltd
You can view a full list of successful bidder by clicking here.
Better Welfare Facilities
The improvements that will be funded by this £8 million pot include better welfare facilities like showers, rest areas and restaurants as well as increasing the Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) parking capacity at the sites and ensuring better security for vehicles and their drivers. The measure is part of the government's 33 actions to address the shortage of HGV drivers and boost recruitment and retention of drivers to the industry.
Roads Minister Richard Holden stated "Day and night our lorry drivers and hauliers work tirelessly to deliver essential food, goods and medical supplies up and down our country...supporting the haulage sector in...its crucial role [will] help to grow the economy".
It is also hoped that the funding and investment will improve safety on the roads. With hauliers required to take mandatory breaks and rest periods, building better roadside facilities will improve the quality of HGV drivers' rest and recovery ensuring everyone can feel safe on our roads.
Round Two
The second round of funding for roadside operators to bid for further investment is now open. The second window for roadside facility operators to bid for further funding will be open until 20th November 2023. Click here for more information.
If you need any help or assistance with your drivers hours or how the mandatory rest stops work then please call 01279 818280 or send us an email by clicking here. We are happy to help.
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